Sustainability Research Reveals Potential for Energy-Efficient Buildings

A new study from the Research Center at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in Gujarat, India, has explored the sustainability potential of an integrated modeling approach for a residential building in a composite climate. The research, backed by the School of Energy Management and Mechanical Engineering, found that by combining traditional architectural practices with advanced simulation tools, it is possible to assess building performance across various design configurations and lifecycle stages. A benefit-cost analysis revealed significant variations in performance across different window-to-wall ratios (WWR) and geometry configurations, with square windows at 20% WWR demonstrating the highest benefit-cost ratio.

Key Takeaways:

• The study demonstrates the potential for energy-efficient and cost-effective structures through the implementation of integrated modeling approach and advanced simulation tools.
• The research found that square windows at 20% WWR demonstrated the highest benefit-cost ratio, indicating substantial potential for energy-efficient design.
• A benefit-cost analysis was introduced to quantify the trade-offs between building performance and spatial modifications at the preconstruction phase.
• The study revealed significant variations in performance across different window-to-wall ratios (WWR) and geometry configurations.
• The implementation of energy-efficient strategies reduced the annual energy consumption to 49,570 kWh, representing an approximate savings of 30.1% compared to the reference case.
• The research provided actionable insights for data-driven decision-making that can be used for retrofitting as well as new construction.
• Additional authors for this research include Navin Gupta, Sanjeev Anand, and Yatheshth Anand.

Statistics:

• 49,570 kWh: the annual energy consumption reduced through the implementation of energy-efficient strategies.
• 30.1%: the approximate savings in energy consumption compared to the reference case.
• 20%: the WWR ratio that demonstrated the highest benefit-cost ratio.
• 18(6): volume and issue number of the journal "Energy Efficiency."

Sources:

• Exploring Sustainability Potential of Integrated Modeling Approach for a Residential Building In Composite Climate of India: a Case Study. Energy Efficiency, 2025;18(6).
• Springer - www.springer.com; Energy Efficiency - www.springerlink.com/content/1570-646x/